We received some great feedback from a Social Worker about one of our Community Interpreters:
“I wanted to mention how impressed I was by your interpreter X who supported myself and my client.
As well as her language and interpreting skills, her sensitivity, empathy, diplomacy, and particularly her knowledge of x culture and history, was invaluable. This social work intervention was still very difficult and challenging, for myself, the client, and her family member, but it would have been a lot more difficult without her support. Thank you”
I spoke briefly with the interpreter – she is very busy delivering interpreting. I wanted to thank her and to understand how she had managed such effective interpreting.
She explained how it has taken time to build trust with this family. When she first arrived at their address with a Social Worker she had to interpret through a locked door.
The Service User and family member have mental health needs. They feel unsafe. They were mistrusting and unaware of how professionals work in the UK.
The interpreter and Social Worker had to be mindful of working in a trauma informed way. They discussed this briefly and the interpreter suggested the importance of starting with a positive and trying to focus the family in as supportive a way as possible.
Having gained access at the second session the interpreter took time to explain their role. They emphasised confidentiality and worked with the Social Worker to explain their role.
It was important to be clear that neither professional was attending to impose anything. That listening is important.
The message `we both understand` was repeated frequently.
Trust was built and whilst challenges remain visits are now greeted with orange juice and biscuits.
The interpreter summed this up well:
“When working with families and individuals who have been affected by traumatic experiences it is vital to listen to them carefully and communicate in the way that I would like to be treated. I try to bring all my experiences and knowledge to deliver on a human level regardless of how difficult the Service User might present. I always put myself in their place to understand them better. That is the key”
Note: We collaborate with interpreters to write these stories but remove the names of interpreters, the language used and other details to ensure confidentiality for Service Users.
P.S. Do you have a story to share? Please contact arran@sussexinterpreting.org.uk